Living with a pressure ulcer: a descriptive study of patients’ experiences

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the perceptions and feelings of patients with pressure ulcers. Five participants who had suffered from pressure ulcers extending into the subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia were interviewed. A semi-structured interview technique was used, in which participants were asked a series of open questions based on the reviewed literature and the author’s clinical experience. Content analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. The following themes emerged: pain, exudate levels, loss of independence, emotional factors, worry about healing, relationships, body image and social isolation.